August 13, 2012

14 Days of the Old Testament in the New TestamentThe next 14 days will cover selected New Testament passages that contain quotes from the Old Testament. The use of the Old Testament in the New Testament provides encouragement for us as we seek to glorify God in our lives.

MEMORY VERSE
Matthew 15:11It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.

August 13 – Matthew 2:16-18
Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2) contains several Old Testament quotations. This one centers upon the brutal slaying of the baby boys in Bethlehem at the hands of Herod the Great. In 2:18, Matthew quoted Jeremiah 31:15. In Jeremiah’s day, he described the agony of the Jewish families as they were forced out of their homes to live in exile. Ramah was a town north of Jerusalem. The exiles passed through this place on their way to captivity. Rachel, the wife of Jacob and the mother figure of all the Jews, is pictured as weeping in agony. Her people will suffer before healing can take place. Matthew interpreted Herod’s treachery as a fulfillment of these Old Testament words. In what way? Many innocents suffered in order for the Savior to be born. In a sense, Christmas cost some families in Bethlehem dearly.

Have you considered you may suffer so others may eventually experience the blessing and power of God?